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Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker – animal prey

on 31st July 2016

Crimson-breasted-Flowerpecker-immature-female-1a-Kledang-Sayong-Forest-Reserve,-Ipoh,-Perak,-Malaysia-26th-June-2016

“This is not a great image as I saw this Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker (Prionochilus percussus ignicapilla) high up in the dark canopy (above: immature female).

“But the observation is important.

“Crimson-breasted Flowerpeckers are obligate furgivores (Wells 2007, Cheke & Mann 2016).

“This female has a spider in the beak and hence suggests animal prey as part of the diet. I am not able to find any other references, images/observations posted on-line on animal prey.

“My issues and opinions:
1. I am of the opinion that this is a Crimson-breasted Flowerpecker, having seen many (see Oriental Bird Club Image Database) but consider it an immature female.

“I am happy to discuss any other ID considerations.

2. The female did not immediately eat the spider. This made me consider that it could be bringing prey to a juvenile. But this bird looks immature, so that is odd.

3. Nesting for the species has not been observed locally. I cannot imagine young being brought up on fruit and must be feed animal protein.

“Appreciate thoughts and other experience.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
26th June 2016

Location: Kledang-Sayong Forest Reserve, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Trail along primary jungle

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

One Response

  1. The yellow vent , yellow tinged greyish head point towards a juv scarlet breasted
    flowerpecker. Crimson breasted flowerpecker has pale/whitish vent .

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